Program brings pet food to homebound seniors

Since the inception of the pet food program at the Central Oregon Council on Aging (COCOA), 6.8 tons of pet food have been delivered to Central Oregon homebound seniors in need.

The program was initiated last year when it was identified that some Meals on Wheels clients could not afford food for their pets. In lieu of pet food, they were sharing their home-delivered meals with their dogs and cats.

In order to ensure proper nutrition for both the seniors and their animals, Meals on Wheels drivers began delivering bags of pet food, if needed and requested, along with the senior’s meals.

This program could not be successful without the support of sponsors, including Bend Pet Express, High Desert Farm, Banfield, and Petco. It also could not be successful without volunteers, including the Meals on Wheels drivers and the residents of Aspen Ridge who help bag the food.

Average distribution a month

Bend

320 lbs dog

60 lbs cat

La Pine

60 lbs dog

Prineville

200 lbs dog

40 lbs cat

Redmond

220 lbs dog

40 lbs cat

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1,144 lbs a month = 13,728 lbs a year (6.8 tons a year)